Shocking Vaccines You MUST Get Before Your Florida Trip in March 2026 – Are You Prepared?

The latest Vaccine-Preventable Diseases Surveillance Report from the Florida Department of Health (FDH), released in March 2026, highlights the ongoing importance of vaccination as a protective measure against various diseases. Although vaccinated individuals can still contract illnesses, the FDH emphasizes that those who are immunized typically experience less severe outcomes than unvaccinated individuals. The report also includes the Arbovirus Surveillance update #7, which details mosquito-borne diseases such as Eastern equine encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, Chikungunya, Dengue, and more.

In the past year, specific counties in Florida have seen advisories regarding mosquito-borne illnesses. Counties including Duval, Hernando, and Leon were under advisories, while Brevard and Miami-Dade counties faced alerts. Notably, Broward County initiated a mosquito control initiative in May 2025, aimed at reducing the local mosquito population and thereby diminishing the risk of mosquito-borne diseases.

As of March 2026, there are currently no vaccination requirements for visiting Florida from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Canada, or the United Kingdom. Additionally, the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) have not issued any travel advisories for Florida this year.

Florida has reported various disease outbreaks in recent months. In 2026, there were 21 cases of travel-related Chikungunya fever, with one locally acquired case reported in Miami-Dade County. Cumulatively, as of December 2025, Florida had confirmed 328 travel-related Chikungunya cases, predominantly linked to travel in countries such as Cuba (300 cases), Brazil, and India. Diagnostic challenges remain as the symptoms of Chikungunya can be easily confused with those of Dengue fever. However, as of 2026, U.S. FDA-approved Chikungunya vaccines are available at travel clinics across Florida.

Chagas disease, a chronic condition linked to the parasite carried by local kissing bugs, has been identified in 23 counties in Florida, particularly in the northern and central regions. Research by the University of Florida's Emerging Pathogens Institute and Texas A&M University indicates that the environment in southeastern U.S. states is conducive to the transmission of this disease.

Dengue fever has also posed a significant concern, with 14 cases reported in 2026 among travelers, adding to the 429 travel-related cases recorded in 2025. The majority of these cases originated from Cuba and Puerto Rico, with some locally acquired cases noted in counties such as Hillsborough and Miami-Dade. In total, Florida has reported over 1,000 travel-associated Dengue cases since 2024, primarily linked to travel from Brazil and Cuba.

Additionally, Florida has seen alarming rates of leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, which has led the state to report the highest number of cases in the U.S. Brevard County accounted for 13% of the nation’s 159 leprosy cases in 2020, and 36 cases were reported in 2025. While there are no FDA-approved vaccines for leprosy, the BCG vaccine can provide some level of protection.

Malaria cases have also been reported, with six travel-related cases identified in 2026, primarily associated with travel to Nigeria. The trend continues from 2025, which saw 49 travel-related malaria cases. Local transmission of malaria was noted near Sarasota in 2023, causing increased scrutiny among health officials.

Moreover, cases of measles have emerged, particularly at Ave Maria University in Collier County, where at least 20 students contracted the highly contagious viral infection. In 2024, ten measles cases were confirmed in Broward County, underscoring the ongoing challenges of maintaining herd immunity in the community.

Florida has also recorded cases of mpox, with 184 cases identified across 12 counties since the beginning of 2024. Vaccination against mpox, using the JYNNEOS vaccine, is being offered at clinics and pharmacies in Florida.

Oropouche fever, linked to travel from Cuba, has been reported in several counties, highlighting the interconnectedness of global travel and disease transmission. Animal rabies cases and cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have also been noted, indicating a need for continued public health vigilance.

The Florida Keys Mosquito Control-Oxitec project, initiated in April 2021, aims to reduce the local population of the invasive Aedes aegypti mosquito through the release of non-biting male mosquitoes. This initiative is designed to mitigate the risks of diseases like Dengue and malaria. With the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s approval in March 2022, the project is a crucial part of Florida's strategy to combat mosquito-borne diseases.

As the state navigates these public health challenges, it remains essential for residents and visitors to stay informed about vaccinations and disease prevention measures. The intersection of travel and health continues to shape Florida's public health landscape, demanding ongoing attention from both health officials and travelers alike.